Post-Graduation Depression: How To Help Teens

Written by Tiffany Barlow, LCSW, Senior Clinical Director

Graduation can be a happy time for teens, young adults, and their families, but what happens when graduation is over? The thing they have been working for their whole life is suddenly behind them. What lies in front of them? There are so many unknowns and an overwhelming number of options. They are asking the question- who are they? And more importantly, who are they outside their friendships and the people they have seen daily for the past several years.

As parents, it’s important to be there for your teenager during this period of post-graduation transition and to understand any related depression that may occur, as well as important next steps to take. In this article, we’ll discuss what parents need to know to help their teens with post-grad depression, which is not an official diagnosis but rather a term used to describe depression that occurs after graduation.

When Is Post-Graduation Depression Most Likely to Occur in Teens?

Post-graduation depression is most likely to occur in teens during the transition period after college or high school graduation when structured academic life is changing due to the uncertainty of the future. The overwhelming pressure to figure out their next steps, coupled with the fear of failure and societal expectations, can contribute to this mental health challenge, putting them at a higher risk for mood disorders like major depression and bipolar disorder that often first appear in early adulthood.

Post-College Graduation Depression

Post-college graduation can be challenging for many young adults transitioning from academic life to the professional world. The pressure to secure a job, establish financial independence, and find their place in society can lead to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.

Post High School Graduation Depression

Post-high school graduation marks a significant milestone in a teenager’s life, signaling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For many young adults, this period can be fraught with uncertainty and anxiety as they grapple with decisions about their future paths. The pressure to choose a career, college, or enter the workforce can feel overwhelming, leading to feelings of confusion, doubt, and in the worst-case scenario, depression.

What are the Signs of Post-Graduation Depression in Teens?

The signs of post-grad depression in teen girls, boys, and LGBTQ+ youths can include:

• Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Increased irritability or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

What are the Causes of Post-Graduation Depression?

Teens can experience several life changes that can cause post-graduation depression, including difficulty adjusting to responsibilities or adult life, burnout after high school or college, loss of support systems, student loans or debt, or the pressures of finding a job.

Think of your teen who has shared inside jokes, lunches, classes, and similar experiences with peers who can relate to them. That loneliness may kick in the day they graduate after experiencing a break in that connection. On top of that, there is an onset of pressure to figure out what they want to do for the rest of their lives. These challenges can be large hurdles that can cause post-grad depression in teens if not adequately addressed.

Difficulty adjusting to Adult Life

Many young adults and teenagers need help navigating a new identity, structure, and direction as they set up their adult lives. This is a high level of pressure and stress, and it’s expected to have the urge to avoid (hypo arousal) or to go through the motions of the next expectation (hyperarousal). The weight of choosing a career path, college, or entering the workforce can lead to overwhelming feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, often culminating in post-graduation depression.

Burnout After High school or College

Burnout after high school or college is a common trigger for post-graduation depression. The intense pressure to excel academically and the stress of transitioning into the next phase of life can leave many young adults feeling drained and emotionally exhausted. As teens navigate the challenges of finding a job, managing finances, and establishing their independence, feelings of burnout can intensify.

Loneliness and Loss of Support Systems

Loneliness and loss of support systems can exacerbate post-graduation depression. Leaving behind the structured environment of the school and the close-knit relationships formed during that time can leave young adults feeling isolated and disconnected. The need for a strong support system becomes even more crucial during this transitional period as they navigate the uncertainties and challenges of adult life.

Student loans or Debt

Student loans or debt can further contribute to post-graduation depression. The financial burden of student loans or debt can weigh heavily on teens as they enter the job market or further education. The pressure to meet repayment deadlines while trying to establish a stable career can add another layer of stress and anxiety, potentially leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

The Pressure of Finding a Job

The pressure of finding a job after high school or college, especially with the added financial challenges of student loan debt and other expenses, can be overwhelming for many young adults. The need to secure employment to support oneself financially while also striving for a fulfilling career adds significant stress to a daunting transition period for college graduates. The fear of rejection, uncertainty about the future, and societal expectations can create a sense of urgency that contributes to post-graduation depression.

Life Changes

Life changes post-graduation, such as moving away from home, starting a new job, or adjusting to a different routine, can be challenging for teens and young adults. These transitions often come with increased responsibilities and expectations, leading to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Coping with these significant life changes while also dealing with the loss of familiar support systems can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation, contributing to post-graduation depression.

Change in Daily Structure

The change in daily structure post-graduation can significantly impact a teen’s mental well-being. Moving from a structured academic environment to the unpredictability of the professional world or further studies can disrupt routines and stability. The lack of a set schedule or clear goals may result in feelings of disorientation and purposelessness, increasing the risk of post-graduation depression.

How Can I Help My Teen With Post-Graduation Depression?

We may want to step in and fix it for them- give them a direction and identity. However, we can’t address anything if we aren’t being mindful of thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are driving these post-graduation depression symptoms.

Parents looking to help their teen with post-grad depression can encourage enrollment in volunteer programs or jobs to develop new support systems and skills, create open lines of communication with their teens on a regular basis, build a strong support system at home where teens feel safe and supported, and encourage the use of alumni services provided by their college to help new graduates with their career goals.

1. Encouraging Enrollment in Jobs, Volunteer Programs, or Alumni Associations

Engaging in jobs, volunteer programs, or alumni associations can provide teens with a sense of purpose and belonging post-graduation. These opportunities offer a chance to develop new skills, build connections, earn money, and create a support system outside of their academic environment. Engaging in such activities not only helps develop new skills but also fosters a sense of purpose and community outside of high school or college.

2. Creating an Open Line of Communication

Good communication requires slowing down and tuning in to all the tension, stress, and fear that the body may carry. For parents, it requires slowing down to understand any of the loneliness, pressure, fears, and loss of identity that your teen may be experiencing due to post–graduation depression. This is a chance to listen and connect with your teen about all the regular life changes they are experiencing. When we can truly understand the things driving the symptoms and behavior, we can begin to address connection and supports, new schedules and structure, and exploration for interests and passion.  

3. Building a Strong Support System at Home

Building a strong support system at home is essential in helping teens navigate post-graduation depression. Encourage open communication, provide a safe space for expression, and offer unconditional love and support. Establishing routines, setting boundaries, and fostering a sense of belonging can create stability when teens return to visit at home in between college, or high school and can help them learn how to continue to develop strong support systems as they build their own lives.

4. Supporting Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Supporting healthy lifestyle choices is another crucial aspect in helping teens overcome post-graduation depression. Encourage your teen to prioritize activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and lifestyle changes.

Engaging in hobbies, socializing with friends, and practicing mindfulness can contribute to their overall happiness and resilience. Building healthy habits, such as eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, and exercising in a way that’s good for the body, can also play a significant role in managing feelings of anxiety and depression. Seeking emotional support from friends and family is also important in maintaining mental well-being.

5. Encouraging Professional Help When Needed

Enlisting the help of a therapist or life coach or pursuing treatment at a residential treatment program can also greatly help your teen develop the mindfulness of emotions and skills for building a life worth living to help them navigate such a difficult transition. This can be beneficial when your teen is experiencing more severe symptoms, any thoughts of suicidality, or even continues to struggle after seeking resources for connection, support, and structure during times of emotional distress.

What Treatment is Effective for Post-Graduation Depression?

Seeking treatment for your teen or young adult should be considered if they are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. If their behavior has changed significantly, such as withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, a decline in academic performance, or if they are experiencing suicidal ideation, it may be time to seek depression treatment.

If symptoms continue, it can be important to pursue treatment options such as recreational therapy, equine therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help teens overcome post-graduation depression and recognize the signs of depression.

If you’re looking for help with your teen son, daughter, or LGBTQ+ youth’s post-graduation depression, contact us.  Sunrise can help your teen create real change.

DBT at a Residential Treatment Center

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at a residential treatment center can be a valuable option for teens or young adults struggling with post-graduation depression. DBT offers a structured approach to help teens regulate their emotions, improve relationships, and develop coping mechanisms. In a residential setting, your teen can receive intensive support and guidance from trained professionals, creating a safe space for healing and growth. Consider exploring this option if traditional therapy or self-help strategies are not providing the desired results.

Post Graduation Depression: Moving Forward

Parents can help teens who are struggling with post-graduation depression after high school or college by communicating with their teens, developing strong support systems at home, and supporting healthy lifestyle choices.

If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking professional help from a therapist or a residential treatment program may be necessary for developing mindfulness of emotions and DBT skills that can help teen girls, boys, and LGBTQ+ youths overcome post-graduation depression and other mental health challenges. If you or your teen need support, contact or call us at 435-900-7753, and we’ll help your family find a healing treatment option that can create real change in your teen’s life.